Glomerulonephrosis

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Glomerulonephrosis
Synonyms	Glomerular nephrosis
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Edema, proteinuria, hypertension, hematuria
Complications	Chronic kidney disease, end-stage renal disease
Onset	Variable
Duration	Chronic
Types	N/A
Causes	Diabetes mellitus, hypertension, autoimmune diseases
Risks	Family history, obesity, smoking
Diagnosis	Urinalysis, blood tests, kidney biopsy
Differential diagnosis	Nephrotic syndrome, nephritic syndrome, acute kidney injury
Prevention	N/A
Treatment	ACE inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers, diuretics, immunosuppressants
Medication	Prednisone, cyclophosphamide, mycophenolate mofetil
Prognosis	Variable, depends on underlying cause and response to treatment
Frequency	Common
Deaths	N/A

Glomerulonephrosis is a medical condition that affects the kidneys. It is characterized by the inflammation of the tiny filters in the kidneys known as glomeruli. These filters are responsible for removing excess fluid, electrolytes and waste from the bloodstream and converting them into urine. When the glomeruli are damaged, the kidneys can't filter blood properly, leading to a variety of health problems.

Causes

The exact cause of glomerulonephrosis is not known. However, it is believed to be associated with a number of conditions including diabetes, lupus, and certain infections such as HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C. It can also be caused by certain medications and toxins.

Symptoms

Symptoms of glomerulonephrosis can vary greatly from person to person. Some people may have no symptoms at all, while others may experience:

• Edema (swelling), especially in the legs, ankles, and feet
• Foamy urine, which may be caused by excess protein in the urine
• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea and vomiting
• Changes in urine output

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of glomerulonephrosis typically involves a series of tests including:

• Urinalysis to check for protein and blood in the urine
• Blood tests to measure kidney function
• Kidney biopsy to examine a small sample of kidney tissue under a microscope

Treatment

Treatment for glomerulonephrosis aims to protect the kidneys from further damage, control symptoms, and treat any underlying conditions. This may involve:

• Medications to control high blood pressure and reduce protein in the urine
• Dietary changes to limit protein and sodium intake
• Dialysis to remove waste and excess fluid from the blood
• Kidney transplant in severe cases

Gallery

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  Diagram of minimal change disease pathology

• 

  Podocytes in the kidney

• 

  Scanning electron microscopy of echinocytes

See also

• Nephrotic syndrome
• Chronic kidney disease
• Acute kidney injury

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